MLB.com's Greg Johns blogs about the Mariners. You can also follow him on Twitter @gregjohnsmlb.

Gabe Gross joins growing list of outfield candidates

Veteran outfielder Gabe Gross hits against the Mariners last year at Safeco Field. (Photo by Getty Images/Otto Gruele Jr.)

The Mariners added Gabe Gross, another veteran outfielder, to the large group of contenders being stockpiled at that position heading toward Spring Training.

Gross, 31, is a seven-year vet that Jack Zduriencik knows well from his two-plus seasons with the Brewers in 2006-08.

Gross was signed to a Minor League deal with a Spring Training invite, so this is another of the low- or no-risk signees being brought in to see what he might bring to the table, much like Jody Gerut.

The club also has outfielders Ryan Langerhans and Mike Wilson on non-roster invitations, along with the seven outfielders on their 40-man roster: Ichiro, Franklin Gutierrez, Milton Bradley and Michael Saunders, plus top prospects Greg Halman, Johermyn Chavez and Carlos Peguero.

Gross, 31, is a lefty hitter who batted .239 with one home run and 25 RBIs in 105 games with Oakland last year. His career numbers are .239/.330/.385 with 40 home runs and 186 RBIs.

Gross was a starting quarterback for seven games at Auburn University before deciding to focus on baseball only after losing his starting job midway through his sophomore season. He went on to become a No. 1 draft pick, 15th overall, of the Blue Jays in 2001.

He’s regarded as an excellent clubhouse guy and leader type, though he’s been mostly a part-time role player through his seven seasons in the Majors and it remains to be seen how he’ll fit into the crowded competition with the Mariners.

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.